Mechanical memory device

ABSTRACT

A mechanical memory device used to control a function after a desired delay measured in distance traveled by a vehicle following receipt of an input signal. A cam carrying wheel or other cam carrier having signal storage cams is driven at a speed directly proportional to that of the vehicle. An actuator responds to input signals for putting cams into operating position. A cam follower is structurally connected to the actuator at a distance such that when a cam has traveled from the actuator to the cam follower the vehicle will have traveled the desired delay distance. A connection from the cam follower to a second actuator causes the desired function. A roller next to the cam follower returns the cam to non-operating position following cam follower action.

United States Patent [191 Thompson 1 Jan. 21, 1975 MECHANICAL MEMORY DEVICE I21] Appl.,No.: 461,170

[52] US. Cl. lll/l, 200/38 CA, 58/165,

235/61 PA, 214/1, 104/1 [51] Int. Cl. A0lc [58] Field of Search 111/1; 200/38 CA, 35 R, 200/38 R; 58/165; 235/61 PA, 61 PB [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,194,086 7/1965 Laschenski 200/38 CA 3,717,730 2/1973 Utter et a1 200/38 CA Primary Examiner-Stephen C. Pellegrino Attorney, Agent, or Firm-William B. Walter [57] ABSTRACT A mechanical memory device used to control a function after a desired delay measured in distance traveled by a vehicle following receipt of an input signal. A cam carrying wheel or other cam carrier having signal storage cams is driven at a speed directly proportional to that of the vehicle. An actuator responds to input signals for putting cams into operating position. A cam follower is structurally connected to the actuator at a distance such that when a cam has traveled from the actuator to the cam follower the vehicle will have traveled the desired delay distance. A connection from the cam follower to a second actuator causes the desired function. A roller next to the cam follower returns the cam to non-operating position following cam follower action.

20 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PAItminmznws 3,861,337

- SHEET 3'0F8 Figure 4 PATENTEDJAHZ I W 3.861.337

- sum s'ura 1s 29 -25 PM i I A6) /Wis 24 Figure 6 PATENTED M21 sum 5 or s Figure 8 PATEME JANZI ms @0 0 0 0 0 0 J' Lj Figure10 PATENTEDJMWS 3,861,337

" sum anr'a Figure 14 MECHANICAL MEMORY DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION An application for the invention is on a sugar cane replanting machine. Sugar cane stalks may be harvested repeatedly without plowing the field and planting new seed or seedlings. However, in harvesting operations some plants are torn out or are damaged and die. There are thus gaps of various lengths in each line as the new sprouts emerge from the old plants which must be filled with cane seed (short pieces of cane stalk). This is done with a multi-line replanting machine on a modified tractor. The replanting machine has hoppers for the seed pieces, conveyors, a man stationed above each line with a seed chute, a fertilizer distributor, a plow, and covering device for each line.

As the replanting machine proceeds through the field, an operator upon seeing a gap in his line lowers the plow to make a furrow, and feeds cane seed and fertilizer down the chute into the furrow. The covering device must be lowered at the beginning of the furrow after the seed and fertilizer have been placed in it. Since the furrow cannot be filled in and the seed covered until the seed and fertilizer are placed in the furrow, the covering device must be located at a distance behind the plow at a minimum of about two seed pieces or 4 feet. On many replanting machines the distance between plow and covering device can be as much as 12 feet because for visibility plow and operator are placed at the extreme front of the machine and so as to not interfere with the tracks of a track laying tractor the covering device is placed behind the tracks. Timing of the lowering and raising of the covering device in relation to the lowering and raising of the plow is critical so as to cover the entire length of the furrow without damaging the emerging sprouts at either end of the gap. Prior devices to control this timing have been limited to time delay devices based on a false assumption that the tractor moves continuously at a constant speed through the field. Since this is not true, a faster speed results in the covering device missing part of the beginning of the furrow and failing to rise on time at the end of the furrow thus possibly damaging some of the sprouts. If the tractor moves at a slower speed, the covering device lowers too soon damaging sprouts preceeding the beginning of the furrow and rises too soon leaving some of the seed uncovered. A more serious limitation to the use of a time delay for controlling the sequence of plow and covering device exists when the distance between gaps is about equal to or shorter than the distance between plow and covering device on the replanting machine as time delay controls send signals to raise and lower the covering device at the same time.

Other means of coping with the problem have resulted in compromises in which the covering and furrowing do not coincide or in which the tractor is stopped at each planting as in the Arnold tree planter, US. Pat. No. 3,097,616.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of this invention is to perform a function at a delay in distance of travel of a vehicle after receiving an input signal.

An object of my invention is to automatically and precisely control the second of two intermittent consecutive operations on material over which a vehicle passes so that the same portion of this material only is affected by both operations. The invention is a mechanical memory device carried by the vehicle and interconnected with the control for the tool performing the first operation so that when and as it operates a signal is received by the memory device. A signal storage device within the memory device holds these signals on a carrier moving at a speed in relation to the vehicle which is directly proportional to the speed of the vehicle. A stored signal sensor is placed at a distance along the line of travel of the carrier equivalent to the distance between the two tools on the vehicle. The stored signal sensor is connected with the second tool to cause its operation when stored signals pass by the sensor. A cancelling device adjacent to the sensor cancels the stored signals after passing by the sensor.

Another object of the invention is to automatically and precisely control the second or more of a series of two or more intermittent consecutive operations on material passing by a fixed object so that the same portion of this material only is affected by this operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mechanical memory device which being mechanical is rugged and thus dependable for use on heavy machinery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings FIG. 1 illustrates a typical application for the invention on a sugar cane field replanting machine.

FIG. 2 is a cutaway plan view of the mechanical memory device of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of one of the signal storage devices or cams on the line 44 of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a memory device adapted for a reversible vehicle.

FIG. 7 shows a multiple unit with memory devices in series around a flexible linear signal storage device carrier.

FIG. 8 shows another multiple unit having memory devices in parallel on a chain-driven slat conveyor with FIG. 9 being a sectional view on line 99 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows another version in which the relative motion is a relatively short reciprocating stroke.

FIG. 11 shows an adaptation of the memory device for use with a conveyor system.

FIG. 12 shows an adaptation of the memory device for use in a railroad.

FIGS. 13 and I4 show another version of signal storage device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A typical sugar cane field replanting machine is a track laying tractor 1 as shown in FIG. 1 which has been modified so as to place the operator station 2 in a forward elevated position for visibility and seed bins 3, one on each side of the tractor. Above each cane row or line to be replanted is arranged a plow 4, a covering roller 5, a planting crew position 6, a seed chute 7, and a fertilizer distributor 8.

A mechanical memory device 9 according to my invention is mounted on the tractor l with its shaft 10 chain driven by the gear train 11 which drives the track sprocket 62. Thus the shaft 10 rotates at a speed directly proportional to the speed of the travel of the tractor 1 across the field.

The plow 4 is lowered and raised by a hydraulic cylinder 13 as controlled by foot valve 14. The foot valve and other like controls referred to herein and in the claims used to perform such a function is termed an input signal control. A small hydraulic actuator 15 on the memory device 9 is interconnected with actuator 13 so that both actuators, l3 and I5, extend and retract simultaneously by operation of input signal control 14.

The covering roller 5 is raised and lowered by a hydraulic actuator 16 as controlled by valve l7 mounted on the memory device 9 for operation by signal sensor 25.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in a preferred form of memory device 9 according to my invention there is a signal storage device carrier wheel 18 mounted on a shaft 10 and attached thereto by key, keyways and set screw. The shaft and wheel are rotated by the chain drive sprocket 21 on the end of shaft 10.

In equally spaced axial holes near the periphery of signal storage device carrier wheel 18 are mounted slideable signal storage device pins 22 also called cams. Adjustable friction detents 23 are pressed against sides of pins 22 to hold the pins from sliding except as directed by actuator and retractor 24. Both ends of the signal storage device 22 are arcuate in shape, the combined ends forming a complete sectional arcuate band so that in any radial position of wheel 18 as the actuator 15 extends it will push the adjacent signal storage device 22 into operating position. When in operat ing position, the signal storage device will raise the signal sensor 25 into operating position as the wheel turns for a radial distance equal to the center distance between adjacent signal storage devices 22. Thus if all the signal storage devices 22 ahead of the signal sensor are in operating position as the wheel turns. The rim on each face of the wheel 18 prevents the signal storage devices 22 from turning. When raised to operating position, signal sensor 25 opens valve 17 to lower the covering roller 5. The signal sensor 25 is so located on the housing or signal sensor carrier 26 that the effective operating distance L as shown in FIG. 3 between the signal sensor 25 and the actuator 15 is equal to the desired delay distance D as shown in FIG. 1 times the ratio of the speed B of the relative motion of the signal storage device carrier 18 past the signal sensor 25 to the vehicle speed A in relation to the ground, or L D X B/A. This relationship is expressed in terms of relative motion because in some versions the signal sensor 25 moves while the signal storage devices 22 are on a stationary carrier 18 and in other versions the signal sensor 25 is mounted on a stationary carrier 26 with the signal storage device carrier 18 moving. It is also possible that each is moving but in different directions.

The effective distance is the distance which a signal storage device 22 will travel from its point of actuation by actuator 15 to the point of actuation of the signal sensor 25 by that same signal storage device 22, which distance in the version using a wheel 18 as a carrier is along an are at the radial distance R between the cam center and the wheel axis.

A retractor 24 is placed upstream of the cam actuator and downstream from signal sensor 25 to return all signal storage devices 22 to non-operating position ahead of the actuator 15. In a memory device as on a one way machine the retractor is located downstream of and closely adjacent to signal sensor 25 so as to automatically clear all signal storage devices which will pass the signal sensor if the machine is backed up. Thus the covering roller 5 of the replanter will be raised so that neither the roller or the field will be damaged.

However, if the replanting machine is stopped and backed up for a short distance and then returned to a forward gear and direction, the remaining signal storage devices 22 in operating position will insure that the seed in the unfinished furrow will be covered.

Because of the distance between the operator 6 and the covering roller 5 or other implement, if the operator forgets and backs up the machine with the implemcnts down the implements are damaged. With my control the implements will be raised upon reversing because of the retractor returning the signal storage devices to non-operating position before passing the cam follower.

In a reversible machine as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 it is necessary at the time the machine is reversed to l insure that signal storage devices 22 in operating position downstream of the signal sensor 25 being used prior to reversal be returned to nonoperating position or retracted so as to cause the implement now at the front of the machine to be raised or shutoff and (2) insure that any signal storage devices in operating position between the actuator 15 and the signal sensor being used prior to reversal be returned to nonoperating position at the actuator 15 unless the operator calls for operation of the implement at the rear of the machine following reversal. In the version of the mechanical memory device to be used on the reversible machine then there will be three cancelling devices 24, i.e., one adjacent to and downstream of each cam follower, and a third connected to or operating in conjunction with the actuator 15. This latter retractor is shown attached to the actuator 15 in FIG. 6.

A mechanical memory device as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 uses a flexible linear element or chain drive 51 as a carrier for the signal storage devices 22 wherein slats 27 are fastened to two roller chains 5 each driven by a sprocket 28 on the same shaft 10. In such an arrangement more than one sets of memory controls comprising a signal storage device actuator 15, signal sensor 25 and retractor 24 may be arranged in parallel on each slat 27 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 or in series as shown in FIG. 7, so as to use a single memory device to serve for controlling a number of lines on a single machine. The chain drive embodiment might in some instances allow for a more compact memory device. Furthermore the chain drive version can allow an easy and controllable adjustment of position of a signal sensor 25 or actuator 15 with a screw jack 29 as in FIG. 7, to vary the distance between signal sensor 25 and actuator 15.

A similar arrangement to the chain drive could use a belt as a flexible linear element. A multiple memory device can also be made up with a number of signal storage device wheels 18 in parallel on a single shaft 10, with the required sets of memory controls comprising actuators 15, signal sensors 25, and retractors 24 for each wheel, or by arranging a multitude of memory controls around a wheel 18.

The principle of my memory device need not be limited to control of intermittent operations on a comparatively continuous travel as in a field machine. In FIG. 10 is shown an embodiment adapted to a reciprocating stroke. In this memory device, a reciprocating tool carrier 30 carries a spray nozzle 31. The rigid linear signal storage device carrier 32 has mounted on it a series of equally spaced signal storage devices 22. The tool carrier 30 also has mounted on it actuator connected by flexible push pull cable 33 to input signal control 34. The signal sensor is interconnected by tube 35 with the control for sprayer 31 being illustrative of any of a number of functions.

A further embodiment of the memory device is a remote control device as shown in FIG. 11 where material moving on a conveyor 36 in the direction indicated by arrow 37 can be spotted by operator 38 and acted upon at a later position alongside or over the conveyor 36 as signal storage devices 22 set in operating position by input signal control 14 and actuator 15 at the time of spotting reach signal sensor 25. Signal storage device carrier wheel 18 is turned at a speed directly proportional to conveyor speed by ground wheel 18 is turned at a speed directly proportional to conveyor speed by ground wheel 39 and chain drive 40. Such a memory device could well be useful for ejecting an occasional rock or tramp iron on a carrier by an ejector arm 41 without stopping the conveyor 36 giving the operator a time delay for aligning the ejector with the rocks transverse position on the conveyor after he has signalled its position along the conveyor.

In FIG. 12 a multiple memory device 42 is used on a railroad train locomotive 43 to control ejector arms 44 on each car 45 independently so that the engineer can selectively discharge cargo without stopping to roll onto sidings 46 on a level with the flat car decks. Thus each unit of the multiple memory device 42 is preset for the delay distance between the locomotive and the cargo container 47 which it is to control. The engineer can then discharge one or more separated containers at one siding 46 by pressingcontrols for each as he passes the siding. In similar fashion he can control a catapult 48 on a loading siding 49 to place a container on an empty flat car 50 by presetting the memory device for that car as he passes that siding. or a hook loader on the car itself.

In FIGS. 13 and 14 a variation of signal storage device 22 is shown on the periphery of signal storage carrier, wheel 18. In this version, a rotatable cam 22 provides a very thin element which allows for more precise control of the point at which the input signal is stored in the mechanical memory device and thus the point at which the delayed function will be effected.

MODE OF OPERATION OF THE lNVENTlON The mechanical memory device operates in the following manner as used on the sugar cane replanting machine as a typical example.

When the planting crew man 6 spots a gap in a line of emerging sprouts as the tractor proceeds through the field he presses his foot down on foot valve 14 so that the plow 4 will lower and start digging a furrow at the beginning of the gap. At the same time he will start feeding cane seed pieces down the chute 7 and fertilizer into the furrow.

A hydraulic interconnect between plow actuating cylinder 13 and actuator 15 on the memory device will extend the actuator 15 as the plow 4 lowers. Extension of the actuator 15 will cause it to push pin cams 22 in wheel 18 into operating position.

If for example the distance between plow and covering roller is 12 feet and this is proportional to 200 of rotation of wheel 18 as driven by its chain drive 10 and gears 11 from the tractor drive sprocket 62, when the wheel 18 has turned 200, the cam 22 extended by the actuator 15 as the plow was lowered at the beginning of the gap will reach the signal sensor 25. As the signal sensor 25 reaches the extended cam 22 it is raised to actuate the control valve 17 thus lowering the covering discs and tamping roller 5 at the beginning of the furrow. lt will be appreciated that hydraulic controls can be adjusted so that the time required to lower the roller 5 following opening of the control valve 17 can be matched with the time required to lower the plow 4 following actuation of the foot valve 14 to insure that covering starts at the beginning of the furrow. It is also possible to vary the distance between actuator 15 and signal sensor 25 to either advance or retard the lowering of the covering roller 5. This can be done as shown in FIG. 7 with a screw jack 29 adjusting the position of cam actuator 15 or signal sensor 25 on the housing or signal sensor carrier 26.

As the wheel 18 continues to turn, the extended cam 22 having passed under the signal sensor 25 is pushed back into the retracted position by the retractor 24. As each cam 22 passes the retractor 24 and is retracted it remains retracted unless extended again by the actuator 15 as it reaches that location. Thus as the plow 4 is raised at the end of the gap and the actuator 17 is retracted the cams 22 reaching it remain retracted. As the last extended cam 22 passes the signal sensor 25 the signal sensor drops to cause the valve 17 to raise the covering roller 5 at the end of the gap. The delay between raising of the plow 4 and raising of the roller 5 thus coincides with the 12 foot distance D between implements because of the 200 radial measurement between cam actuator 15 and signal sensor 25.

The principle ofoperation of my mechanical memory device is essentially the same whether on farm machines travelling through afield, on a reciprocating factory machine, in a conveying system, or on a railroad. Thus relative motion between the tools to be operated on intermittently could mean that the tool is passing over stationary material or moving material is passing a stationary tool and memory device.

I claim:

1. A mechanical memory device for storing an input signal for transmittal after a required distance L has been traveled comprising:

a. a signal storage device carrier providing a supporting means thereon for a multitude of signal storage devices;

b. a multitude of movable signal storage devices each of which is supported on the carrier for alternately setting in one of two positions, operating and nonoperating;

c. a signal sensor carrier;

d. a signal sensor for transmitting the stored signal;

e. means to cause relative motion between the signal storage device carrier and the signal sensor carrier such that the signal sensor passes each of the signal storage devices in operating relationship therewith;

f. an input signal control means;

g. an actuator for moving one of the signal storage devices into operating position;

h. a connection between the input signal control means and the actuator so that the actuator will move one of the signal storage devices into operating position in response to the input signal control means;

i. a means fastening the actuator to the signal sensor carrier on the line of travel of the signal storage devices for actuation thereof;

j. a means fastening the signal sensor to the signal sensor carrier at a distance L on the line of travel of the signal storage devices and in operating relationship therewith so that the signal sensor will transmit the stored signal after a signal storage device in operating position has traveled the distance k. a signal storage device retractor for returning each signal storage device to non-operating position; and

l. a means attaching the retractor to the signal sensor carrier in the line of travel of the signal storage devices such that each signal storage device will be returned to non-operating position after passing the signal sensor and before passing the signal sensor and before passing the actuator.

2. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means fastening the signal sensor to the signal sensor carrier is adjustable thus providing a means to vary the length L to compensate for time delay in the actuators.

3.,A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the signal storage device carrier is a rotatable wheel.

4. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the signal storage device carrier is a flexible linear element.

5. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the signal storage device is rigid and linear.

6. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim I wherein the signal storage devices reciprocate between the operating and the non-operating positions being restrained in each position.

7. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the signal storage devices rotate between the operating and non-operating positions, being restrained in each position.

8. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means fastening the actuator to the signal sensor carrier is adjustable thus providing a means to vary the length L to compensate for time delay in the actuators.

9. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the portion of each signal storage device to contact the signal sensor when the signal storage device is in operating position has an effective contact length equal to the distance between centers of the adjacent cams.

10. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the signal storage devices are equally spaced.

11. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means attaching the retractor to the signal sensor carrier places the retractor closely adjacent to and downstream of the signal sensor and upstream of the first actuator so that all signal storage devices will be returned to non-operating position immediately following actuation of the function.

12. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein a single storage device carrier can be used to store and send signals for a multitude of functions simultaneously also comprising more than one set of memory controls arranged in series about the signal storage device carrier.

13. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein a single storage device carrier can be used to store and send signals for a multitude of functions simultaneously also comprising more than one set of 5 memory controls arranged in parallel adjacent to the signal storage device carrier.

14. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim I wherein the memory device is mounted on fixed structure adjacent to a moving conveyor for control of an instrument for interaction with the conveyor cargo also comprising:

a. a means attaching the memory device to the fixed structure;

a driving means measuring the conveyor speed A and causing relative motion between the signal storage device carrier and the signal sensor carrier at a speed B directly proportional to conveyor speed A;

c. a means connecting the driving means to the signal sensor carrier and the signal storage device carrier;

(1. the instrument;

e. a second actuator;

f. a means attaching the instrument to the fixed structure for operation therewith;

g. a means attaching the second actuator to the instrument for operation thereof; and

h. a connection between the signal sensor and the second actuator so that when the signal sensor is in contact with a signal storage device in operating position, the second actuator will cause the function to be performed by the instrument.

15. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the memory device is mounted on a railroad train for control ofa cargo ejection device on the train also comprising:

a. a means of attaching the memory device to the train;

b. the cargo ejection device;

c. a second actuator;

d. a means attaching the cargo ejection device at such a point on one of the cars as to eject the cargo adjacent thereto at a point which is a distance D following the input signal control device;

e. a driving means measuring the train speed A and causing relative motion between the signal storage device carrier and the signal sensor carrier at a speed B such that L D X speed B/speed A;

f. a means attaching the second actuator to the cargo ejection device for operation thereof;

g. a means connecting the driving means to the signal sensor carrier and the signal storage device carrier; and

h. a connection between the signal sensor and the second actuator so that when the signal sensor is in contact with a signal storage device in operating position, the second actuator will cause the cargo ejection device to function.

16. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the memory device is mounted on a railroad 6O train for control of a cargo loading device on the train also comprising:

a. a means attaching the memory device to the train;

b. the cargo loading device;

0. a second actuator;

d. a means attaching the cargo loading device at such a point on one of the cars as to load the cargo adjacent thereto at a point which is a distance D following the input signal control device;

e. a driving means measuring the train speed A and causing relative motion between the signal storage device carrier and the signal sensor carrier at a speed B such that L D X speed B/speed A;

f. a means attaching the second actuator to the cargo loading device for operation thereof;

g. a means connecting the driving means to the signal sensor carrier and the signal storage device carrier; and

h. a connection between the signal sensor and the second actuator so that when the signal sensor is in contact with a signal storage device in operating position, the second actuator will cause the cargo ejection device to function.

17. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the memory device is mounted on a railroad train for control of a cargo loading device on an adjoining siding also comprising: 7

a. a means attaching the memory device to the train;

b. the cargo loading device;

c. a second actuator;

d. a means attaching the cargo loading device to the adjoining siding;

e. a driving means measuring the train speed A and causing relative motion between the signal storage device carrier and the signal sensor carrier at a speed B such that L D X speed B/speed A;

f. a means attaching the second actuator to the cargo loading device for operation thereof;

g. a means connecting the driving means to the signal sensor carrier and the signal storage device carrier; and

h. a connection between the signal sensor and the second actuator which is made only when a portion of the train at a point which is at a distance D following the input signal control device is adjacent to the siding having the loading device and when the signal sensor is in contact with a storage device in operating position, the second actuator will cause the cargo ejection device to function.

18. A mechanicalmemory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the memory device is mounted on a vehicle for control of an instrument connected to that vehicle so as to perform a function on the surfaceover which the vehicle passes also comprising:

a. a means attaching the memory device to the vehicle;

b. a driving means measuring the vehicle speed A and causing relative motion between the signal storage device carrier and the signal sensor carrier at a speed B directly proportional to vehicle speed A;

c. a means connecting the driving means to the signal sensor carrier and the signal storage device carrier;

d. the instrument;

e. a second actuator;

f. a means attaching the instrument to the vehicle for operation therewith;

g. a means attaching the second actuator to the instrument for operation thereof;

h. a connection between the signal sensor and the second actuator so that when the signal sensor is in contact with a signal storage device in operating position, the second actuator will cause the function to be performed by the instrument.

19. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 12 in which an additional and earlier function is performed by a second instrument at the same place as the other function wherein the driving ratio of the driving means is such that L D X speed B/speed A also comprising:

a. a third actuator;

b. a second instrument;

c. a means attaching the second instrument to the vehicle for operation therewith at a point which is at the distance D ahead of the point of operation of the first instrument;

d. a means attaching the second instrument to the third actuator for operation thereof; and

e. a means connecting the input signal control to the third actuator so that when the input signal control is actuated, the third actuator will put the second inustrument in operating position at the same time as the first actuator puts a signal storage device in operating position.

20. A mechanical memory device for storing an input signal for transmittal after a required distance D has been traveled by a two-way vehicle in one direction or a distance D in the other direction comprising:

a. a signal storage device carrier providing supporting means thereon for a'multitude of signal storage devices;

b. a multitude of movable signal storage devices each of which is supported 'on the carrier for alternately setting in one of two positions, operating and nonoperating;

a signal sensor carrier;

. a first and a second signal sensor each of which is adapted to move from an at rest position to an operating position and return to the at rest position as the signal sensor passes any one of the signal storage devices in the operating position;

e. means to cause relative motion between the signal storage device carrier and the signal sensor carrier such that the signal sensors pass each of the signal storage devices in operating relationship therewith and at a speed B directly proportional to vehicle speed A.

f. an input signal control means for initiating the delayed function;

g. a first actuator for moving one of the signal storage devices into operating position;

h. a connection between the control means and the first actuator so that the actuator will move one of the signal storage devices into operating position in response to the control means;

. a means fastening the first actuator to the signal sensor carrier on the line of travel of the signal storage devices for actuation thereof;

j. a means fastening the first signal sensor to the signal sensor carrier at such a point that the distance L which the signal storage device travels to the right from the point at which it is put in operating position by the first actuator to the point that it puts the first signal sensor in operating position is equal to D X speed B/speed A;

k. a means fastening the second signal sensor to the signal sensor carrier at such a point that the distance l which the signal storage device travels to the left from the point at which it is put in operating position by the first actuator to the point that it puts the second signal sensor in operating position is equal to D X speed B/speed A;

l. three signal storage device retractors for returning each signal storage device to non-operating position;

m. means attaching the first of the three retractors to the signal sensor carrier at a point in the line of travel ofthe signal storage devices between the first and second signal sensors and closely adjacent to the first sensor;

n. means attaching the second of the three retractors to the signal sensor carrier at a point in the line of travel of the signal storage devices between the first and second signal sensors and closely adjacent to the second sensor;

0. means attaching the third of the three retractors to the memory device for actuation with the first actuator;

p. means connecting the third of the three retractors q. a second actuator for causing the function on one end of the reversible vehicle;

. a third actuator for causing the function on the 0pposite end of the vehicle;

. a connection between the first signal sensor and the second actuator so that when the first signal sensor is in operating position actuation of the function of the second actuator will occur;

. a connection between the second signal sensor and the third actuator so that when the second signal sensor is in operating position actuation of the function of the third actuator will occur.

* =l l =l 

1. A mechanical memory device for storing an input signal for transmittal after a required distance L has been traveled comprising: a. a signal storage device carrier providing a supporting means thereon for a multitude of signal storage devices; b. a multitude of movable signal storage devices each of which is supported on the carrier for alternately setting in one of two positions, operating and non-operating; c. a signal sensor carrier; d. a signal sensor for transmitting the stored signal; e. means to cause relative motion between the signal storage device carrier and the signal sensor carrier such that the signal sensor passes each of the signal storage devices in operating relationship therewith; f. an input signal control means; g. an actuator for moving one of the signal storage devices into operating position; h. a connection between the input signal control means and the actuator so that the actuator will move one of the signal storage devices into operating position in response to the input signal control means; i. a means fastening the actuator to the signal sensor carrier on the line of travel of the signal storage devices for actuation thereof; j. a means fastening the signal sensor to the signal sensor carrier at a distance L on the line of travel of the signal storage devices and in operating relationship therewith so that the signal sensor will transmit the stored signal after a signal storage device in operating position has traveled the distance L; k. a signal storage device retractor for returning each signal storage device to non-operating position; and l. a means attaching the retractor to the signal sensor carrier in the line of travel of the signal storage devices such that each signal storage device will be returned to non-operating position after passing the signal sensor and before passing the signal sensor and before passing the actuator.
 2. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means fastening the signal sensor to the signal sensor carrier is adjustable thus providing a means to vary the length L to compensate for time delay in the actuators.
 3. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the signal storage device carrier is a rotatable wheel.
 4. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the signal storage device carrier is a flexible linear element.
 5. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the signal storage device is rigid and linear.
 6. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the signal storage devices reciprocate between the operating and the non-operating positions being restrained in each position.
 7. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the signal storage devices rotate between the operating and non-operating positions, being restrained in each position.
 8. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means fastening the actuator to the signal sensor carrier is adjustable thus providing a means to vary the length L to compensate for time delay in the actuators.
 9. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the portion of each signal storage device to contact the signal sensor when the signal storage device is in operating position has an effective contact length equal to the distance between centers of the adjacent cams.
 10. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the signal storage deVices are equally spaced.
 11. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means attaching the retractor to the signal sensor carrier places the retractor closely adjacent to and downstream of the signal sensor and upstream of the first actuator so that all signal storage devices will be returned to non-operating position immediately following actuation of the function.
 12. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein a single storage device carrier can be used to store and send signals for a multitude of functions simultaneously also comprising more than one set of memory controls arranged in series about the signal storage device carrier.
 13. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein a single storage device carrier can be used to store and send signals for a multitude of functions simultaneously also comprising more than one set of memory controls arranged in parallel adjacent to the signal storage device carrier.
 14. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the memory device is mounted on fixed structure adjacent to a moving conveyor for control of an instrument for interaction with the conveyor cargo also comprising: a. a means attaching the memory device to the fixed structure; a driving means measuring the conveyor speed A and causing relative motion between the signal storage device carrier and the signal sensor carrier at a speed B directly proportional to conveyor speed A; c. a means connecting the driving means to the signal sensor carrier and the signal storage device carrier; d. the instrument; e. a second actuator; f. a means attaching the instrument to the fixed structure for operation therewith; g. a means attaching the second actuator to the instrument for operation thereof; and h. a connection between the signal sensor and the second actuator so that when the signal sensor is in contact with a signal storage device in operating position, the second actuator will cause the function to be performed by the instrument.
 15. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the memory device is mounted on a railroad train for control of a cargo ejection device on the train also comprising: a. a means of attaching the memory device to the train; b. the cargo ejection device; c. a second actuator; d. a means attaching the cargo ejection device at such a point on one of the cars as to eject the cargo adjacent thereto at a point which is a distance D following the input signal control device; e. a driving means measuring the train speed A and causing relative motion between the signal storage device carrier and the signal sensor carrier at a speed B such that L D X speed B/speed A; f. a means attaching the second actuator to the cargo ejection device for operation thereof; g. a means connecting the driving means to the signal sensor carrier and the signal storage device carrier; and h. a connection between the signal sensor and the second actuator so that when the signal sensor is in contact with a signal storage device in operating position, the second actuator will cause the cargo ejection device to function.
 16. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the memory device is mounted on a railroad train for control of a cargo loading device on the train also comprising: a. a means attaching the memory device to the train; b. the cargo loading device; c. a second actuator; d. a means attaching the cargo loading device at such a point on one of the cars as to load the cargo adjacent thereto at a point which is a distance D following the input signal control device; e. a driving means measuring the train speed A and causing relative motion between the signal storage device carrier and the signal sensor carrier at a speed B such that L D X speed B/speed A; f. a means attaching the second actuator to the cargo loaDing device for operation thereof; g. a means connecting the driving means to the signal sensor carrier and the signal storage device carrier; and h. a connection between the signal sensor and the second actuator so that when the signal sensor is in contact with a signal storage device in operating position, the second actuator will cause the cargo ejection device to function.
 17. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the memory device is mounted on a railroad train for control of a cargo loading device on an adjoining siding also comprising: a. a means attaching the memory device to the train; b. the cargo loading device; c. a second actuator; d. a means attaching the cargo loading device to the adjoining siding; e. a driving means measuring the train speed A and causing relative motion between the signal storage device carrier and the signal sensor carrier at a speed B such that L D X speed B/speed A; f. a means attaching the second actuator to the cargo loading device for operation thereof; g. a means connecting the driving means to the signal sensor carrier and the signal storage device carrier; and h. a connection between the signal sensor and the second actuator which is made only when a portion of the train at a point which is at a distance D following the input signal control device is adjacent to the siding having the loading device and when the signal sensor is in contact with a storage device in operating position, the second actuator will cause the cargo ejection device to function.
 18. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the memory device is mounted on a vehicle for control of an instrument connected to that vehicle so as to perform a function on the surface over which the vehicle passes also comprising: a. a means attaching the memory device to the vehicle; b. a driving means measuring the vehicle speed A and causing relative motion between the signal storage device carrier and the signal sensor carrier at a speed B directly proportional to vehicle speed A; c. a means connecting the driving means to the signal sensor carrier and the signal storage device carrier; d. the instrument; e. a second actuator; f. a means attaching the instrument to the vehicle for operation therewith; g. a means attaching the second actuator to the instrument for operation thereof; h. a connection between the signal sensor and the second actuator so that when the signal sensor is in contact with a signal storage device in operating position, the second actuator will cause the function to be performed by the instrument.
 19. A mechanical memory device as claimed in claim 12 in which an additional and earlier function is performed by a second instrument at the same place as the other function wherein the driving ratio of the driving means is such that L D X speed B/speed A also comprising: a. a third actuator; b. a second instrument; c. a means attaching the second instrument to the vehicle for operation therewith at a point which is at the distance D ahead of the point of operation of the first instrument; d. a means attaching the second instrument to the third actuator for operation thereof; and e. a means connecting the input signal control to the third actuator so that when the input signal control is actuated, the third actuator will put the second inustrument in operating position at the same time as the first actuator puts a signal storage device in operating position.
 20. A mechanical memory device for storing an input signal for transmittal after a required distance D has been traveled by a two-way vehicle in one direction or a distance D in the other direction comprising: a. a signal storage device carrier providing supporting means thereon for a multitude of signal storage devices; b. a multitude of movable signal storage devices each of which is supPorted on the carrier for alternately setting in one of two positions, operating and non-operating; c. a signal sensor carrier; d. a first and a second signal sensor each of which is adapted to move from an at rest position to an operating position and return to the at rest position as the signal sensor passes any one of the signal storage devices in the operating position; e. means to cause relative motion between the signal storage device carrier and the signal sensor carrier such that the signal sensors pass each of the signal storage devices in operating relationship therewith and at a speed B directly proportional to vehicle speed A. f. an input signal control means for initiating the delayed function; g. a first actuator for moving one of the signal storage devices into operating position; h. a connection between the control means and the first actuator so that the actuator will move one of the signal storage devices into operating position in response to the control means; i. a means fastening the first actuator to the signal sensor carrier on the line of travel of the signal storage devices for actuation thereof; j. a means fastening the first signal sensor to the signal sensor carrier at such a point that the distance L which the signal storage device travels to the right from the point at which it is put in operating position by the first actuator to the point that it puts the first signal sensor in operating position is equal to D X speed B/speed A; k. a means fastening the second signal sensor to the signal sensor carrier at such a point that the distance 1 which the signal storage device travels to the left from the point at which it is put in operating position by the first actuator to the point that it puts the second signal sensor in operating position is equal to D X speed B/speed A; l. three signal storage device retractors for returning each signal storage device to non-operating position; m. means attaching the first of the three retractors to the signal sensor carrier at a point in the line of travel of the signal storage devices between the first and second signal sensors and closely adjacent to the first sensor; n. means attaching the second of the three retractors to the signal sensor carrier at a point in the line of travel of the signal storage devices between the first and second signal sensors and closely adjacent to the second sensor; o. means attaching the third of the three retractors to the memory device for actuation with the first actuator; p. means connecting the third of the three retractors to the first actuator so that when the actuator is in non-operating position the retractor will return the signal storage device adjacent to it to non-operating position; q. a second actuator for causing the function on one end of the reversible vehicle; r. a third actuator for causing the function on the opposite end of the vehicle; s. a connection between the first signal sensor and the second actuator so that when the first signal sensor is in operating position actuation of the function of the second actuator will occur; t. a connection between the second signal sensor and the third actuator so that when the second signal sensor is in operating position actuation of the function of the third actuator will occur. 